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Famous Deserts Of Pakistan
By Mohsin Zaheer, Made In Pak. Last updated 4 November 2026.
Quick answer: Pakistan has five well known deserts. The Thar is the largest and lies in Sindh, Cholistan and the Thal are in Punjab, the Kharan Desert is in Balochistan, and the high altitude Cold Desert (Katpana) is near Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan.
Quick facts about the famous deserts of Pakistan
| Desert | Where it is | Approximate size | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thar | Southeast Sindh (shared with India) | About 200,000 sq km across both countries | Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, desert embroidery and camel herding |
| Cholistan | Southern Punjab, Bahawalpur region | About 26,000 sq km | Derawar Fort, Lal Suhanra National Park, camel herding |
| Thal | Central Punjab, between the Indus and Jhelum rivers | About 20,000 sq km | Canal irrigated farming and chickpeas |
| Kharan | Kharan district, Balochistan | Dry sandy plain with surrounding hills | Remote landscape and the 1998 Chagai II nuclear test area |
| Cold Desert (Katpana) | Near Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan | Small high altitude desert at about 2,200 m | Sand dunes beside snow capped mountains |
Pakistan is better known for its mountains, but its deserts cover large parts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan and shape the way of life, food and handicrafts of the people who live there. This guide covers each desert in turn, with a short list of questions at the end.
1. Thar Desert
The Thar is the largest desert in Pakistan and is part of the Great Indian Desert, which Pakistan shares with India. On the Pakistani side it covers the southeast of Sindh, mainly Tharparkar district, with towns such as Mithi and Nagarparkar.
Life in the Thar centres on livestock, rain fed farming and handicrafts such as embroidery and ralli quilts. Summers are extremely hot, so the best time to visit is between October and March.
2. Cholistan Desert
Cholistan, known locally as Rohi, lies in southern Punjab in the Bahawalpur region and covers about 26,000 square kilometres. It is home to Derawar Fort and Lal Suhanra National Park, and camel herding remains an important part of local life.
The annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, held near Derawar Fort in the cooler months, brings visitors to the area each year.
3. Thal Desert
The Thal lies in Punjab between the Indus and Jhelum rivers and spreads across districts such as Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Jhang. It covers roughly 20,000 square kilometres of sandy plain.
Canal irrigation has turned large parts of the Thal into farmland, and the region is known for growing chickpeas (gram). Camels are still common in the drier parts.
4. Kharan Desert
The Kharan Desert lies in Kharan district in Balochistan. It is a dry, sandy and rocky plain with hills around it and very little vegetation. The area is best known as the region where Pakistan carried out the Chagai II nuclear test in May 1998.
5. Cold Desert (Katpana) near Skardu
The Cold Desert, often called Katpana, is a high altitude desert near Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, at roughly 2,200 metres above sea level. Its sand dunes sit against snow capped mountains, and winters are cold and snowy. Spring to autumn is the easiest time to visit.
Handmade crafts from desert regions of Pakistan
Camels are part of desert life, and camel skin lamps are a traditional Pakistani handicraft. Browse our hand painted camel skin lamps, or explore the wider range of handmade Pakistani pottery and crafts in the Made In Pak shop. To learn more about the craft traditions of each region, read our guide to the culture of Pakistan by province.
Frequently asked questions
How many deserts are in Pakistan?
Five are commonly listed: the Thar, Cholistan, Thal, Kharan and the Cold Desert (Katpana) near Skardu.
Which is the largest desert in Pakistan?
The Thar Desert in Sindh is the largest. It is part of the Great Indian Desert, which Pakistan shares with India.
Is there a cold desert in Pakistan?
Yes. The Cold Desert, also called Katpana, is a high altitude desert near Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, with sand dunes beside snow capped mountains.
Which deserts are in Punjab?
Cholistan in the south, near Bahawalpur, and the Thal in the centre, between the Indus and Jhelum rivers.
When is the best time to visit the Thar Desert?
Between October and March, when temperatures are mild. Summers are extremely hot.